GNS3 vs EVE-NG

GGNS39.4Visit EVE-NG9.0Visit

Higher score G GNS3 #1 in Network Simulation Software 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit GNS3

vs

EVE-NG #3 in Network Simulation Software 9.0/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 3 features Visit EVE-NG

• GNS3 fits best

  Free, broad multivendor network labs

• EVE-NG fits best

  Large multivendor browser-based labs

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Side by side

Feature	GGNS3 9.4/10 Visit ↗	EVE-NG 9.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	9.4	9.0
Ranking	#1 in Network Simulation Software	#3 in Network Simulation Software
Best for	Free, broad multivendor network labs	Large multivendor browser-based labs
Pricing model	Free	Free plan + paid
Starting price	Free plan	€150/yr
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Desktop, Self-hosted, Cloud	Cloud, Self-hosted
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux	Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Support	Docs, Community	Live chat, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features GNS3 3/3 · EVE-NG 3/3
Real-time emulation	✓	✓
Hardware-in-the-loop	✓	✓
Automation API	✓	✓
Specs
Simulation model	Hybrid	Emulation
Deployment options	Desktop	Server
Documented node limit	Not checked yet	1024 nodes
Our review
Pros	Combines built-in simulation with actual-device emulation Supports local, remote, cloud, and physical-network connections Includes packet capture, Wireshark integration, and a REST API	Supports up to 1,024 nodes per lab on paid plans Combines Docker, Wireshark, clustering and link-quality controls Provides multiuser labs, configuration import/export and a REST-style JSON API
Cons	Practical scale depends on available hardware Complex labs may require multiple deployment components Actual-device emulation depends on compatible device images	The Freemium edition is limited to 7 nodes per EVE instance Freemium accounts are admin-only Base pricing starts at €150 per year, billed annually
Our verdict	GNS3 is open-source software for building, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting virtual and real networks. It is designed for network engineers, students, educators, and organizations that need multivendor topologies, certification… Read the review →	EVE-NG is a clientless network emulation platform for network, security and DevOps professionals. Enterprises, training providers, individuals and collaborators can use it to build virtual proof-of-concept, testing and training… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• GNS3 — where it wins

  • Combines built-in simulation with actual-device emulation
  • Supports local, remote, cloud, and physical-network connections
  • Includes packet capture, Wireshark integration, and a REST API

  Where it doesn't

  • Practical scale depends on available hardware
  • Complex labs may require multiple deployment components
  • Actual-device emulation depends on compatible device images

• EVE-NG — where it wins

  • Supports up to 1,024 nodes per lab on paid plans
  • Combines Docker, Wireshark, clustering and link-quality controls
  • Provides multiuser labs, configuration import/export and a REST-style JSON API

  Where it doesn't

  • The Freemium edition is limited to 7 nodes per EVE instance
  • Freemium accounts are admin-only
  • Base pricing starts at €150 per year, billed annually

• GGNS39.4/10 · Free plan

  A free, broad multivendor lab for simulating, emulating, and connecting real networks.

  Visit GNS3Full verdict →
• EVE-NG9.0/10 · Free plan

  A broad emulation platform for large, collaborative multivendor network labs.

  Visit EVE-NGFull verdict →